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PUESENTKI) UY 



The Spirit of Propagandism 
in the French Revolution 

1789-1793 



An Abstract of a Thesis present- 
ed to the Faculty of Philosophy 
of the University of Pennsylvania 



By 

Arthur Guy Terry 



In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for 
the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 1906 



Gift 



INTRODUCTION 

Propagandism began with the Revolution no more 
than the doctrines which were to be propagated. The 
ideas of popular sovereignty, personal liberty, and equal- 
ity before the law were familiar to Frenchmen and had 
been transmitted to various quarters of Europe before 
the meeting of the States General in 1789, In England 
they had been practically in effect for a century, but the 
forms of monarchy surviving there had obscured the 
fact to all save a few critical observers. The speculative 
minds of the eighteenth century had been busy with 
these ideas for nearly fifty years, and among a certain 
intelligent class they had received a wide circulation 
and a considerable acceptance before the period when our 
study begins. 

This fact explains whatever success the French had 
in disseminating their political faith. It explains the 
appearance in each of the neighboring states, at the out- 
break of the Revolution, of a group of sympathizers who 
attempted to convert their fellow countrymen to the new 
regime. The intellectual movement had begun which in 
time was to revolutionize the political and social structure 
of all the European nations, a movement which in our 
day seems to be witnessing its final manifestation in the 
great empire of Russia. 

The real influence of the French, then, after the out- 
break of the Revolution of 1789, lay, not in implanting 
among their neighbors a new doctrine, but in forcibly 
attacking the ancient structures and in so weakening 
them as to give room for the ideas already implanted to 
find natural growth. The rude attempts of the French 
armies to enforce republicanism upon surrounding na- 
tions failed utterly, or, if in a few cases they succeeded, 
it was because the subjects were ready and willing to be 
enforced. But in most cases the peoples of Europe were 
not ready. Time was needed for the new ideas to de- 
velop. They were already there. 






In the enthusiasm of their own successful Revolution ^ 
the French thought they could hasten the day of regen- 
eration for their neighbors. They permitted themselves 
to believe that, instead of small factions, whole popula- 
tions in the foreign states were thoroughly imbued with 
the spirit of revolution and anxious to shake off the 
yoke. This view was thoroughly characteristic of the 
impractical and visionary minds of the revolutionists 
— that complete inability to appreciate the hold estab- 
lished custom has on mankind for which Burke de- 
nounced them so persistently. In the prevalence of this 
notion there appeared at an early date in the Revolution 
a tendency toward some active form of propagandism. 
This tendency obtained no very distinct headway until 
fears of European intervention began to arise. Then 
France hurled back the threat of the Propaganda. The 
Revolution realized that in this it possessed a unique 
and powerful weapon. Imagination readily suggested 
the idea of all the peoples of Europe rising to crush their 
tyrannical rulers, and of a world restored upon the the- 
ory of Rousseau, readjusting its affairs to suit the new 
conditions of popular sovereignty, equality, universal 
peace and brotherhood. 

This fancy was so pleasing, the faith in its fulfillment 
was so strong, that, doubtless, it greatly encouraged the 
reckless spirit that plunged France and Europe into a 
twenty years' war. When the war broke out, the Propa- 
ganda, or a general insurrection of peoples against kings, 
was officially recognized by the French government, and 
was counted upon as an important part of the military 
resources of the Republic. 

The object of this study is to note the emergence of 
the propagandist sentiment, the gradual development of 
its influence over the minds of the ruling men of France, 
and the subsequent decline of that influence after the 
first attempt at application of the theory had signally 
failed. 



For the debates of the Constituent and Legislative As- 
sembHes I have employed the Archives Parlementaires, 
because the clear type and simple arrangement make it 
the most convenient work to use. But, inasmuch as the 
Archives has been severely criticized as a source by lead- 
ing scholars, I have used it with great caution, compar- 
ing the passages with the more authentic reports of the 
Proces-verbal and Moniteur, and accepting for the most 
part only those speeches for which the editors have seen 
fit to cite the original source. I have drawn heavily upon 
the Moniteur, not only for its reports of debates in the 
National Assembly, but for other important material it 
contains, notably the letters of correspondents abroad and 
the published correspondence of generals in the field. 
My references to the Moniteur are to the reprint of 1840. 

Of the secondary authorities bearing upon the subject 
I have found most useful M. Sorel's recently com- 
pleted work on the external relations of the Revolution, 
UEurope et la Revolution Frangaise, and M, Chu- 
quet's exhaustive treatise on the military history of the 
Revolution. The former speaks very suggestively on the 
subjective phases of the propagandist spirit, and the lat- 
ter vividly describes the work of the armies and agents 
of the government in active propagandism. So far as 
I am aware, no separate study of the Propaganda has 
yet been published. Several monographs have appeared 
treating of the influence of the French Revolution in par- 
ticular states of Europe, and upon these I have drawn 
for certain facts. 

An apology may be necessary for the frequent and 
extended quotations from sources, especially throughout 
the first chapter. The reason for this Hes in the nature 
of the subject, where, in tracing the growth of a some- 
what intangible form of revolutionary enthusiasm, the 
exact phraseology in which it finds expression must have 
considerable significance. 



CONTENTS 

Chapter I. — Rise of the Propagandist Idea. 

1. The Journals. 

Expression of the propagandist idea traced in two 
famous revolutionary newspapers, the "Revolu- 
tions de Paris" and the "Revolutions de France 
et de Brabant," with frequent illustrative quota- 
tions, 

2. The Clubs. 

Expression of the propagandist idea in the debates 
and correspondence of the Jacobin Club traced 
down to March, 1793, with illustrative quotations. 

Examination of the so-called "Club of the Propa- 
ganda," and the "Club of 1789," with the conclu- 
sion that these societies were not engaged in prop- 
aganda. 

3. The National Assembly. 

Expression of the propagandist idea traced through 
the debates and proceedings of the Constituent 
and Legislative Assemblies and the Convention to 
April, 1793. Here the development of the Giron- 
dist war policy is carefully followed, and the 
passage of the declaration of war of April 20, 
1792, is closely analyzed. The history of the 
propagandist decrees of November 19th and De- 
cember 15th, 1792, receives particular attention. 
The principal topics of this section, in order of 
discussion, follow : 
(i) The Constituent Assembly. 

Greetings from foreign societies. 

Anacharsis Cloots and the "Deputation of Man- 
kind." 

The decree renouncing conquest. 

The first rumors of war. 
(2) The Legislative Assembly. 

Debate on the emigres. 

Veto of the decree of Nov. 9, 1791. 



Isnard's speech, and the Address to the King. 
The Girondist war agitation. 
Negotiations with Vienna. 
The Declaration of War, April 20, 1792. 
The purpose of the war. 
Temporary decline of propagandism. 
Effects of Valmy. 
(3) The Convention. 
The invasion of Nice, Savoy, the Rhenish 

States and Belgium. 
High tide of propagandist sentiment. 
The decree of November 19th, 1792. 
Propagandism or Conquest? 
Annexation of Savoy. 
The decree of December 15th. 
England wants an explanation. 
Annexation of Nice. 
"Natural Limits." 
More annexations. 
Preparations to invade Holland. 
Defeat at Neerwinden and effect. 
The decree of April 13, 1793. 
Propagandism abandoned. 

Chapter II. — Active Propagandism. 

1. Writings. 

Review of notices respecting the circulation of revo- 
lutionary journals, pamphlets, and books in neigh- 
boring states, and the efforts of the governments 
at suppression. 

2. Emissaries. 

Discussion of the different classes of agents active 
in disseminating revolutionary doctrines outside of 
France, viz. ; emissaries of clubs, ambassadors 
of the Republic, refugees, travellers, actors. 

3. Patriotic Societies. 

Inquiry into the relations between the Jacobins and 
foreign societies. 



Armed Propaganda. 

A study of the campaigns of the French armies in 
Savoy, Nice, the Rhenish States, and Belgium 
between September, 1792, and March, 1793, with 
a detailed examination of the propagandist activi- 
ties of each. The methods were everywhere the 
same. First, the incendiary proclamation of the 
commanding general; then the levy of contribu- 
tions on privileged and official classes, together 
with studied kindness to the common people ; the 
formation of clubs and opening of correspondence 
with French Societies; the influx of a horde of 
French proselyters, deputies on mission, agents of 
the executive council, emissaries of clubs and 
others, to "fraternize" with the "liberated" people 
and to teach them liberty and equality; the intro- 
duction of the tricolor, the liberty tree, the liberty 
cap, the songs, dances, fetes and ceremonies of 
the Revolution. 



SUMMARY OF CHAPTER I. 

The development of the propagandist idea has been 
followed from its first appearance to its decline in 1793. 
In recapitulating, the story might be told in six decrees 
which mark the successive stages of development. 

1. Tjhe decree renouncing conquests. This act is rep- 
resentative of the early period of the Revolution when 
the propagandist sentiment was quiescent. This was the 
period when France was basking in the bright sunlight 
of freshly achieved Liberty, and the spirit of peace on 
earth, good-will toward men prevailed. The utmost 
desire, outside of securing her own freedom, was that 
other nations might benefit by the example, and also find 
the light. 

2. The address of the Legislative Assembly to the 
King on November 29, 1791, urging him to warn the 
German princes to desist from their machinations against 
the Revolution or France will carry Liberty into their 
states. Here the propagandist spirit becomes aggressive. 
It is now used as a threat to the hostile powers, telling 
them to stand off if they wish to avoid infection. During 
this period the Girondist orators fan the enthusiasm in 
urging the nation to undertake an offensive war. 

3. The declaration of war of April 20, 1792. Armed 
propagandism now becomes the accepted policy. The 
war is waged, not upon states or nations, but upon 
"tyrants." Their oppressed subjects are to be liberated. 
The successful period of the war following the retreat of 
Brunswick sees the climax of propagandist enthusiasm, 
which is expressed in — 

4. The Decree of November 19, 1792, offering assist- 
ance to any peoples who desire to throw off the yoke of 
despotism. Almost at the same time appear the signs of 
the coming change. Savoy and Nice are annexed. Bel- 
gium is overrun, but refuses to change her social order 
for the French system of equality. The Republic needs 
money. It is decided to enforce the French system on 



Belgium in spite of her protests, and then to invade Hol- 
land for more treasure and territory. 

5. The Decree of December 15th, with later amend- 
ments, turns the war into conquest. Belgium is annexed 
against the will of a majority of her people. Soon after- 
ward the doctrine of natural boundaries is openly advo- 
cated. War is declared on England and Holland and 
later on Spain. Then the period of disaster comes in 
March, 1793, and the war becomes defensive. The Con- 
vention realizes its position, sees that the Decree of No- 
vember 19th was a political mistake, that armed propa- 
gandism is impracticable, and retracts by passing 

6. The Decree of April 13, 1793. Here the policy of 
non-intervention with the internal affairs of other states 
is adopted. Revolutionary propagandism had already 
turned into conquest and territorial expansion. It is now 
abandoned in theory as well as in fact. 

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER H. 

1. There was no very considerable dissemination of 
French pamphlets and newspapers abroad, since they 
were strictly prohibited in most European countries and, 
moreover, would have been unintelligible to the masses 
of the people, of whom no great proportion, save, per- 
haps, in the principalities close to the border, understood 
the French language. Knowledge of the doctrines and 
events of the Revolution was conveyed to these peoples 
by newspapers and writers of their own nationality — not 
by Frenchmen. 

2. It was the policy of the Jacobin Society to propa- 
gate the doctrines of the Revolution solely by discussion. 
It sent no emissaries to incite rebellion in foreign states. 
Individual members may have undertaken self-appointed 
missions of that character, but probably in very few cases 
with the formal sanction of the society. 

3. While the Jacobin Club held friendly correspond- 
ence with foreign patriotic societies, notably those of 
England, there was no regular affiliation between it and 



any foreign society, except in conquered territories. 

4. Wherever the armies of France penetrated in the 
campaigns of 1792-3 they sought to revolutionize the 
conquered peoples, using toward that end every possible 
means. 



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Aulard, F.-A. ; Histoire Politique de la Revolution 
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Aulard, F.-A.; La Societe des Jacobins. Recueil des 
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6 vols., Paris, 1889- 1893. 

Avenel, Georges; Anacharsis Cloots. Paris, 1865. 

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Buckingham, R. P. T. N., Duke of; Memoires of the 
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1853. 

Burke, Edmund; Reflections on the French Revolu- 
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Charlemont MSS., in Historical Manuscripts Commis- 
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Chenier, Andre; Poesies de Andre Chenier. Paris, 
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Delplace, L. (S. J.) ; La Belgique sous la Domination 
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Hamburg, 1875. 



THEj MANUSCRIPT OP th:^ compi,:ete; thesis can 

BE CONSUI^TED AT THE I^IBRARY OP THE 
UNIVERSITY OP PENNSYI,VANIA. 



